The defense system of the fat cell

[Razzle39]

I get discouraged if my scale does not move in a week. I admit it! I have read all the journal posts and I know from the great people on this site that stalling is normal. Is a time for reflection on our exercise and menu and if all is fine.....just be patient.

I needed to know more! That just doesnt work for me. I am one of those people that will go for 2 weeks without losing a pound and then shed 6 in one day. How does this happen?!

I did some research and I found out that our fat cells have a defense mechanism. As we burn fat the number of fat cells in our body never decreases. They just shrink in size. When we burn fat for energy the cells shrink down much like a balloon deflates. Some of us had some horrible habits that led to our obesity. Binging and not eating frequent small meals taught our brain to Store that fat for later just in case we needed it. The cells have been programmed to stay inflated at all times.

As our fat is depleted from the cell it takes in water to maintain its shape. This way when we take in enough calories the fat cell can release the water and readily take in more fat.

Many of us think that water is released within a few days or maybe a week. For a precentage of the fat cells in our body that may be true. However it can take the brain up to 6 weeks of healthy intake of foods to allow those cells to release the water and shrink down. That is why some of us can lose up to 10 pounds in a few days after not losing a pound for 3-6weeks!

The next time you are headed to the gym discouraged remember it is making a difference. You may have already lost 3-5 pounds of nasty fat and your body will cleanse itself of the excess water in time

[Elizellen]

Great explanation of the 'woosh' process

[Neecy]

Wow that makes so much sense!! I've been on extended induction, over 3 weeks now but the scale has stuck at a 12 pound loss the last 2 weeks. I go for 2 mile walks, have started doing weights and yoga and I know that I'm healthier for it - but couldn't understand WHY the scale doesn't move even though I know many report getting smaller sized while the scale stays the same. Thanks for the insight!

[Neecy]

You know - this is such great information, especially for those obsessed with the scale and who get depressed and go off this WOE if they don't see the pounds coming off fast enough, that I think it could warrant a sticky.

[boonie stomper]

Originally Posted by Razzle39

... (snip)
I did some research and I found out that our fat cells have a defense mechanism. As we burn fat the number of fat cells in our body never decreases. They just shrink in size. When we burn fat for energy the cells shrink down much like a balloon deflates. Some of us had some horrible habits that led to our obesity. Binging and not eating frequent small meals taught our brain to Store that fat for later just in case we needed it. The cells have been programmed to stay inflated at all times.

As our fat is depleted from the cell it takes in water to maintain its shape. This way when we take in enough calories the fat cell can release the water and readily take in more fat.

Many of us think that water is released within a few days or maybe a week. For a precentage of the fat cells in our body that may be true. However it can take the brain up to 6 weeks of healthy intake of foods to allow those cells to release the water and shrink down. ... (end snip)

You know, the brain IS made of fat, right...?
...And the cells themselves are what's been programmed to stay inflated...
How long before by BRAIN has a whooshie???!?



Great post - just couldn't resist LOLOL

[DesertRain]

Bravo! Excellent post! Thank You...this is a great answer to my "Why am I heavier?" post. I guess before, I didn't have as many fat cells and then I let myself gain so many pounds that now I have more fat cells filled with water, thus heavier than I was before at this size. Makes sense!

[FLdoodette]

"woosh process" ... lol! Thanks for this very helpful info, Razzle.

[Neecy]

And, "size for size" wise, water weighs MORE than fat....

[Lisa]

I love my whooshie moments

Good post!

[Chicklady]

Awesome info, thank you! My body has always lost like that, but I never knew why! Gee, 47 years young and still learning something every day